Glendon Principal Kenneth McRoberts Gives Public Lecture to Celebrate York at 50

Glendon Principal Kenneth McRoberts will deliver a public lecture on the topic of Dealing with Dualism: Language, Culture and Identity in Canada / Faire face à la dualité : Langue, culture et identité au Canada on Wednesday, March 11th at 7 p.m. in historic Glendon Manor on the Glendon campus.

Hosted by Glendon’s Associate Principal, Student Services Louise Lewin, this is the second of nine lectures within the College Masters’ Public Lecture Series, organized to celebrate York University’s 50th anniversary. This series offers an opportunity for each of York University’s colleges to present on a topic of relevance to them and to the university at large. Glendon’s event is unique in having this bilingual lecture given by the Principal himself.

“Canada has always been fundamentally dualist. This is reflected in the status of official languages, the demography of language, the structure of cultural and social networks and the dynamics of social and political identities. Nonetheless, recognition of this dualism has been uneven. The B&B Commission was the high point of recognition; the collapse of Meech the low point. Nevertheless, dualism is here to stay. New approaches are needed, not in a futile attempt to dissolve it, but to soften its impact. They involve such matters as: exchange programs for university students, a coherent strategy for second-language training, and a meaningful approach to creating an ‘exemplary’ federal public service. Inevitably, however, dualism also leads to the Quebec question. “

Admission to this public lecture is free. Advance registration would be appreciated; however, everyone is welcome to join us.To register, or for more information on this lecture and the rest of the College Masters’ Public Lecture Series, please contact Louise Lewin at 416 487-6716 or lewin@glendon.yorku.ca.